Bow Tie Sausage Pasta Salad
Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners, this Bow Tie Sausage Pasta Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish that’s equal parts hearty and refreshing. Featuring tender bow tie pasta, savory Italian sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic fresh basil, this recipe delivers a delightful medley of flavors and textures. A tangy homemade dressing with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey ties it all together, while shredded Parmesan adds a rich, cheesy finish. Quick to prepare and served chilled, this pasta salad is an irresistible mix of savory, tangy, and fresh—making it an ideal make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference), casing removed
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small Red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Black olives, sliced
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions for al dente texture, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cooked sausage, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and chopped basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese on top and gently mix again to incorporate.
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3245 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 174.2 g | 223% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.3 g | 232% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 199 mg | 66% | |
| Sodium | 6915 mg | 301% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 329.6 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.2 g | 111% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.9 g | ||
| Protein | 100.5 g | 201% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 883 mg | 68% | |
| Iron | 24.1 mg | 134% | |
| Potassium | 2548 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
